Foldable hoistway work deck

Abstract

A work deck configured for use within an elevator hoistway is provided. The work deck includes a platform having a plurality of planks. A plurality of telescoping assemblies is pivotally connected to one end of the platform, the telescoping assemblies each configured to span the elevator hoistway such that a first end of the telescoping assemblies seats against a building floor and a second end of the telescoping assemblies seats against a hoistway structure. A ladder has a first end and a second end. The first end of the ladder is pivotally connected to the platform and the second end is pivotally connected to the first end of the telescoping assemblies. The platform is configured to provide a work deck for personnel for use within the elevator hoistway. The work deck can be folded into a substantially flat package for ease of shipment.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A work deck configured for use within an elevator hoistway, the work deck comprising:
 a platform having a plurality of planks; 
 a plurality of telescoping assemblies pivotally connected to one end of the platform, the telescoping assemblies each configured to span the elevator hoistway such that a first end of the telescoping assemblies is connected to a sill angle, the sill angle configured to mate with perpendicular surfaces forming a floor sill, and a second end of the telescoping assemblies seats against a hoistway structure; 
 a ladder having a first end and a second end, the first end of the ladder pivotally connected to the platform and the second end configured to rest on a top surface of the building floor; and 
 a plurality of ladder links configured to connect the second end of the ladder to the sill angle; 
 wherein the platform is configured to provide a work deck for personnel for use within the elevator hoistway, 
 wherein the platform, the plurality of telescoping assemblies and the ladder can be folded into a single substantially flat package for ease of shipment such that in a folded configuration, the ladder is positioned between the telescoping assemblies and the platform. 
 
     
     
       2. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein the telescoping assemblies each include a second member configured to slidably extend and contract within a first member. 
     
     
       3. The work deck of  claim 2 , wherein the first member and the second member have a square cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
       4. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein the first ends of the telescoping assemblies are fixed to a support member, and wherein the support member has a circular cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
       5. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein a base member is positioned between the second end of the ladder and the top surface of a building floor. 
     
     
       6. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein the planks are supported by a frame assembly, wherein the frame assembly includes side members, and wherein the side members have a platform channel configured to receive the planks and a kick surface. 
     
     
       7. The work deck of  claim 6 , wherein the side members are connected to an end member, and wherein the end member has a platform channel configured to receive the planks and a kick surface. 
     
     
       8. The work deck of  claim 6 , wherein the side members include a plurality of fixtures configured to receive side railings. 
     
     
       9. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein the planks are overlapping. 
     
     
       10. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein the platform includes an aperture configured for passage of hoist cables. 
     
     
       11. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein the platform has an adjustable platform depth and platform width, and wherein the platform depth is adjustable in a range of from about 72.0 inches to about 96.0 inches, and wherein the platform width is adjustable in a range of from about 42.0 inches to about 75.0 inches. 
     
     
       12. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein the work deck is configured for rotation to a folded configuration for shipping. 
     
     
       13. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein a take-up mechanism is attached to the telescoping assemblies and configured for hoisting the work deck to another location within the elevator hoistway. 
     
     
       14. The work deck of  claim 13 , wherein the take-up mechanism is a manual winch. 
     
     
       15. The work deck of  claim 1 , wherein a second work deck is attached to the work deck. 
     
     
       16. The work deck of  claim 15 , wherein the second work deck includes a platform, telescoping assemblies and a ladder.